Program and courses Economics: Data Science track
Become an economist with hands-on experience in processing and interpreting unstructured (big) data sets. With a strong foundation in statistical modeling and additional training in programming languages, you will have the right skillset to understand the economic value of data and to become an ''analytics translator'': a person who can bridge the technical expertise of data engineers with the end user in any organization.
Program structure
This one-year track of MSc Economics consists of 60 credits (ECTS), of which:
- 6 core courses (24 ECTS)
- 4 elective courses (21 ECTS)
- Master’s thesis (15 ECTS)
You can start end of August or end of January. However, the curriculum is optimally designed for starting the program end of August (Fall semester), because courses in the Fall semester lay groundwork for courses in the Spring semester. If you believe that you have sufficient knowledge to enter directly into the Spring semester, you are also welcome to start end of January.
Program content
Core courses
You will follow 6 core courses of 24 ECTS in total
Please note: the MSc Economics is a flexible program in which you are also free to specialize in another track or choose freely out of the courses belonging to the different tracks.
- Methods: Python Programming for Economists
For an optimal exposure to the practice of the economic analyst, you’ll get the experience course Methods: Python Programming for Economists which culminates in thesis writing and/or project work. - Research Proposal
- Methods: Econometrics 1
- Methods: Econometrics 2
- Seminar Data Science and Society
- Seminar Data Science for Economics
Elective courses
Choose 3 elective courses (21 ECTS in total)
First choose 3 electives from the following courses (18 ECTS):
- Seminar Health Economics (recommended for this track)
- Seminar Labor Economics (recommended for this track)
- Seminar Competition Policy
- Seminar Economics and Psychology of Risk and Time
- Seminar Economics and Psychology of Social Norms and Strategic Behavior
- Seminar Environmental and Resource Economics
- Seminar Financial Economics
- Seminar Financial Markets and Institutions
- Seminar Sustainable Economic Growth
- Seminar Taxation
- Seminar Gender Economics (3 ECTS)
- The Economics and Finance of Pensions
Choose 1 of the following methods courses (3 ECTS):
- Methods: Game Theory 1
- Methods: Game Theory 2
- Methods: Experiments and Surveys
Follow this optional, but highly recommended course (0 ECTS):
- Career Development Economics
Master's thesis
The Master’s thesis addresses in depth a well-defined economic research question, using theory and empirics, reviewing the existing literature, and contributing to this literature.
Most students write their thesis in the Spring semester. In case you started the program end of January, which is possible but only recommended if you feel very comfortable with quantitative methods, you can write your thesis in the summer (and proceed with coursework in the next Fall semester) or write it in the Fall semester (in line with some coursework).
Examples of thesis subjects are:
⦁ Predicting public opinion emotions through Twitter
⦁ Privacy regulation in theory and practice
⦁ Could the financial crisis be predicted using text analysis?
⦁ Media Power and News Consumption in the US: 2004 and 2012
⦁ Macroeconomic conditions and the demand for information using click data
⦁ Safety and security in smart cities using artificial intelligence: a review
⦁ Algorithmic decision making in justice: predictions using texts of court rulings
⦁ CCTV cameras and crime: finding the best location
⦁ Can we predict house price dynamics through reviews on airbnb/booking/google maps?
Watch a trial lecture
You will find a detailed description of the courses and required literature in our course catalog.
Please note: programs are subject to change. We advise you to look up the current program in OSIRIS Student at the start of the year.
Do you want to know more about this Master’s program?
Find out more during one of our events
Make the most of your Master's
In the first semester of the regular program, ambitious students can apply for the following additional advanced programs:
Entrepreneurial Literacy Initiative: online extracurricular program
Entrepreneurial Literacy Initiative (ELI) is an online extracurricular program that provides Master's students with tools to reflect and plan for an entrepreneurial career. Overall, ELI can be a very useful experience if you have entrepreneurship on your mind. —either right after graduation or later in your career! If you are unsure whether entrepreneurship fits you and your goals, ELI will help you find out.
Application and admission
All students enrolled in a Master's program at TiSEM are invited to apply.
More information about the Entrepreneurial Literacy Initiative
Extended Master's Program: traineeship (+0.5 years)
Short overview of the Extended Master's Program
During your traineeship, you work on practical assignments for a company, follow professional skills courses, and receive mentoring and guidance. By increasing your professional experience, skills, and network like this, you seriously boost your chances in the job market.
- If selected, you will fulfill your traineeship from April to October. On average, you will work four days at the company, and attend skills training once a week at Tilburg University. In addition to this, company visits will be organized in the Extended Master's Program network.
- If both you and the company are happy with the results, you are welcome to extend the traineeship by writing your Master's thesis at the company. Your research topic then needs to be approved by the Tilburg University thesis coordinator.
- There are no administrative or participation fees for taking part in the Extended Master's Program. You will pay the regular tuition fees for the extra six months the Extended Master's Program takes.
Application and admission
You can apply for the Extended Master's Program once you've started the regular Master's program.
Short overview of the Economics: Data Science track
The track 'Data Science’ trains economics students in programming languages that are used in firms, the public administration, and research to work with big data and algorithms (Python and R), including hands-on exercises how to work with big data sets from a variant of fields within economics.
- Moreover, it offers a deeper understanding of innovation economics, the consequences of datafication, and, thereby, how innovation affects markets, political landscapes, and our societies – and what to do about it as policy maker.
- Finally, your strong foundation in Econometrics and Economic Analysis gives you the ability to make sense of data from an economist’s perspective.
Interested in the MSc Economics?
Check your eligibility and the deadlines for application